Shillong, October 30: The Khasi Students’ Union (KSU), Laban Circle, has expressed strong resentment against the Meghalaya Government and district authorities over the alleged intimidation of residents opposing the Shillong Peak Ropeway Project at Laban Pyllun, particularly women members of the Joint Action Committee (JAC) Against Ropeway Project.
In a letter addressed to Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma on Friday, KSU Laban Circle President Jason C. Laloo and General Secretary Shiningstar Chyne accused the district administration and police of using excessive force and intimidation to discourage residents from continuing their agitation against the project.
Referring to an incident on October 28, the Union stated that members of the JAC were awaiting a decision from the Rangbah Shnongs following commitments made by the headmen when arguments reportedly broke out between the two sides.
The KSU maintained that the arguments were neither threatening nor hostile, but police personnel and a Special Operating Team (SOT) were allegedly deployed to the location.
The Union described the deployment as an excessive show of power intended to intimidate and pressure JAC members into withdrawing their agitation.
It expressed particular concern over the deployment of the SOT against residents, especially women, who have been actively participating in the movement against the proposed ropeway project.
The KSU further alleged that similar tactics had been adopted by the authorities during the public hearing concerning the proposed Shree Cement project in East Jaintia Hills.
According to the Union, several residents opposing the cement project were allegedly prevented from participating in the public hearing, while some were threatened and assaulted. It also alleged that certain families were forced to leave their villages out of fear for their safety.
The Union accused the district administration and police of acting in collaboration with corporate interests and alleged manipulation of environmental clearances and other relevant documents in connection with the cement project. It further claimed that roads were dug up and tear gas and stones were used to prevent KSU members and other opponents of the cement plant from reaching the hearing venue.
Drawing parallels between the two controversies, the KSU expressed apprehension that similar developments could occur in Laban Pyllun.
The Union raised fears that elderly women and other members of the JAC could face intimidation or even be falsely implicated in cases to prevent them from participating in further protests.
It warned that it would not tolerate any coercive or intimidating measures by the government, district administration or police against residents exercising their right to raise concerns about the project.
Clarifying its position, the KSU stated that it was not opposed to government development projects but maintained that such initiatives must have the approval of the people and should not adversely affect the ecological balance of the area.
The Union questioned the government’s assurances that the Shillong Peak Ropeway Project would have no adverse impact on water sources or the surrounding environment. It pointed out that the JAC and environmental experts had raised concerns contradicting the government’s findings.
The KSU also expressed doubts about the reliability of official environmental assessments, referring to its allegations concerning the Shree Cement project in East Jaintia Hills.
The Union further raised concerns over unconfirmed reports about a possible new road connecting the Sericulture Farm to Sawmer in the coming years.
It expressed apprehension that if the proposed road was intended to facilitate the ropeway project, additional trees could be felled, potentially affecting the catchment area that serves as an important water source.
The KSU also criticised the district administration for allegedly shifting responsibility for public consultation onto the local Dorbar Shnongs and Rangbah Shnongs.
It maintained that explaining the environmental impact of the project should be the responsibility of qualified environmental experts and competent authorities rather than village headmen.
The Union alleged that the district authorities had failed to conduct the necessary public hearing procedures for the ropeway project and should not hold the Dorbar Shnongs responsible for the government’s alleged failure to comply with the required procedures.
It stressed that the authorities must ensure transparency, proper public consultation and compliance with all necessary regulations before proceeding with the project.
Urging the Chief Minister to intervene, the KSU called upon the State Government to seriously examine the concerns raised by residents of Laban Pyllun and Shillong regarding the ropeway project.
The Union acknowledged the importance of promoting tourism and generating employment opportunities but maintained that economic development should not come at the expense of environmental protection.
It appealed to the Chief Minister to take immediate action to address the grievances of residents and ensure that their concerns were properly considered.
